Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce – Easy Slow Cooker Fall Recipe

Homemade applesauce just hits differently—especially when it’s slow-cooked to perfection with a cozy cinnamon twist. This guide will show you how to make crockpot cinnamon applesauce using only a few ingredients, a bit of prep, and your trusty slow cooker. You’ll discover the best apples to use, tips for customizing sweetness and texture, and creative ways to enjoy your homemade batch all week long. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the kids or adding a warm side to your fall dinners, this recipe is about to become your seasonal favorite. Looking for inspiration? Try our apple pie filling recipe for more comforting classics.

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Why Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is a Must-Try

A nostalgic, wholesome fall treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon simmering for hours. It’s like bottling the essence of fall. Crockpot cinnamon applesauce is a throwback to simpler times—when your grandma’s kitchen was filled with the warm, sweet scent of love in a pot. The flavor is deeper and more comforting than anything store-bought.

Benefits of making applesauce from scratch

Making your own applesauce lets you control the ingredients: no preservatives, no added colors, just real food. Plus, it’s a great way to use up apples that are too soft for snacking. You can make it chunky or smooth, sweet or tart—it’s completely up to you. Not to mention, this is one of the easiest recipes to batch-cook and freeze for later.

Why the slow cooker makes it effortless

The crockpot does all the heavy lifting. Just toss everything in, stir once or twice, and let it cook low and slow. There’s no standing at the stove, and no risk of burning. You’ll get perfect, soft apples ready to mash into sauce every time. If you’re already a fan of slow cooker comfort food, don’t miss our crockpot garlic butter beef bites with potatoes for a savory main dish.

Best Apples for Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce

Top apple varieties for the perfect texture and flavor

Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are some of the best apples for crockpot applesauce. Gala brings natural sweetness, Fuji adds depth, and Honeycrisp gives you that perfect balance of sweet and tart. If you want a more rustic texture, go for a firmer variety like Granny Smith.

Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Texture
Gala	Sweet, mild	Soft
Fuji	Sweet, crisp	Slightly firm
Honeycrisp	Sweet-tart	Crisp
Granny Smith	Tart	Firm
Golden Delicious	Sweet, mellow	Medium-soft

Should you mix apple types?

Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples gives your sauce a more complex flavor. For example, pairing Gala with Granny Smith creates a sweet base with a zesty finish. The blend also affects texture, making the sauce neither too mushy nor too thick.

Organic vs. non-organic apples: does it matter?

If you’re leaving the peels on, go organic. Apples are high on the “Dirty Dozen” list, meaning they often carry pesticide residue. But if you’re peeling them first, non-organic works just fine and still tastes great.

Ingredients You Need for the Easiest Applesauce

4 simple ingredients and pantry alternatives

You only need:

• 3 lbs of peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium Gala apples)
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar (adjustable)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Out of sugar? You can use brown sugar, maple syrup, or even a few tablespoons of apple juice concentrate. Want a deeper spice profile? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.

Sweetener swaps: sugar, honey, maple syrup

For a refined sugar-free version, try:

• Honey (¼ cup for light sweetness)
• Maple syrup (¼–⅓ cup for earthy tones)
• Stevia or monk fruit for a zero-calorie option

Remember, if your apples are naturally sweet (like Fuji), you can skip sweeteners entirely. Don’t miss our sugar-free apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies if you’re keeping things healthy.

Cinnamon tips – ground, stick, or both?

Ground cinnamon blends right into the sauce, giving it uniform flavor. A cinnamon stick, on the other hand, infuses slowly and adds more aromatic depth. For the best of both worlds, use a stick during cooking and stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon at the end. If you’re a fan of layered cinnamon flavors, check out our oven cinnamon pretzels.

How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Step-by-Step

Prepping apples for the crockpot

The most time-consuming part of this recipe is peeling and slicing the apples—but even that takes just 10 minutes. Start by peeling about 3 pounds of apples, core them, and slice into ½-inch wedges. Smaller slices break down faster. Want to save time? Use an apple peeler-corer-slicer tool.

For a chunkier sauce, leave slices a bit thicker. If you’re going for ultra-smooth applesauce, chop the apples smaller or blend later after cooking.

Cooking settings and timing

Add the apples to your crockpot, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the top, and pour in the water. Give it a quick stir, then cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6–7 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid often—each peek adds cooking time.

As the apples cook, they’ll soften and begin to release their natural juices. You’ll notice your kitchen start to smell like an apple pie factory in the best way possible.

Pro Tip: If you’re using a mix of firmer apples like Granny Smith and softer ones like Gala, go for the full 4 hours on high to make sure everything breaks down evenly.

Mashing, blending, or leaving it chunky?

Once cooked, mash the apples with a wire whisk or potato masher right in the crockpot. For a chunky, rustic sauce, a few stirs may be all you need. For a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender.

If you want an applesauce that’s baby-food smooth, let the sauce cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and purée in batches.

Don’t miss our apple delight dessert for a creative way to use any extra apples you’ve got lying around.

Storing, Serving & Freezing Applesauce Like a Pro

How long it keeps in the fridge

Once your applesauce cools to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers or mason jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, especially the cinnamon, so it actually gets better after a day or two.

Avoid storing it warm—it can lead to condensation, which affects the shelf life and texture.

Can you freeze crockpot applesauce?

Absolutely. Homemade applesauce freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving at least an inch of headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

For easy portioning, freeze applesauce in ice cube trays, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to toss a few into oatmeal, baking, or lunchboxes.

Discover great ideas like apple pie baked beans for using leftover apples in savory dishes.

Best ways to serve it warm or cold

Crockpot cinnamon applesauce is delicious both warm and chilled. Serve it warm as a side with pork chops or roasted chicken. Chilled, it’s a refreshing snack or dessert.

Other fun serving ideas:

• Swirled into Greek yogurt
• Spooned over pancakes or waffles
• As a dip for graham crackers
• Layered into a parfait

If you love cozy fall flavors, check out our caramel apple dessert cups for another sweet autumn idea.

Delicious Ways to Use Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

As a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or pork

Cinnamon applesauce is incredibly versatile. Spoon it over a bowl of oatmeal or stack of pancakes for instant fall vibes. It’s also a traditional—and perfect—pairing with pork chops, roast pork, or grilled sausages. The sweet and savory contrast is hard to beat.

Baking with applesauce as a fat substitute

Did you know you can use applesauce in place of oil or butter in baking? It cuts calories and adds moisture, making it ideal for muffins, cakes, and quick breads. Substitute up to half of the oil in most recipes with applesauce without changing the texture too much.

If you’re into healthier bakes, our apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies are another great option where apples and cinnamon shine.

Healthy kids’ snacks and lunchbox ideas

Kids love applesauce—especially when it’s homemade and not loaded with sugar. Pack it in lunchboxes, serve it with toast fingers, or pair it with peanut butter for a protein-packed snack.

Pour warm applesauce over vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels indulgent but still wholesome.

Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce FAQ

Conclusion: Make Fall Sweeter with This Easy Slow Cooker Treat

There’s no denying it—crockpot cinnamon applesauce is one of the easiest and most rewarding recipes you can make this season. With just a few ingredients and zero babysitting, your slow cooker transforms humble apples into a warm, spiced comfort food that fills your home with delicious aromas.

Whether you’re spooning it over pancakes, pairing it with pork chops, or packing it in school lunches, this homemade applesauce is guaranteed to become a staple in your fall kitchen.

Don’t miss our caramel apple nachos recipe for another fun twist on fall flavors.

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